Before Surgery

Bariatric
surgery is a fast way to weight loss for patients whose lives are
endangered by their obese stature. When the size of a patient's stomach is
reduced or portions of the digestive tract are bypassed, he or she is no longer able to eat large quantities of food; this
leads to rapid weight loss. Most patients lose the majority of their excess
weight within the first year following weight loss surgery. Furthermore, once the patient begins to lose weight,
he or she is more able to maintain an active lifestyle, and this also promotes
and accelerates the rate of weight loss. It is important that morbidly obese
individuals wishing to undergo weight loss surgery understand that this
procedure does not preclude them from the need to maintain a healthy diet and
exercise routine.

The decision to undergo bariatric surgery will
affect your lifestyle for years to come. When you choose to undergo gastric
bypass or gastric banding surgery you will need to alter your exercise and diet regimen,
both before and after
your bariatric surgery operation.

Preparing for Bariatric Surgery

Before undergoing any type of bariatric surgery, it
is important that patients follow their doctors' instructions closely and
educate themselves on the risks and potential benefits of the procedure. To
mentally prepare yourself for obesity surgery, do the following:

Understand the surgical process and what
to expect afterwards

Talk to people who have had surgery for
obesity

Start a journal about your experience

Get your family to write you a letter of
support

All patients must undergo preoperative counseling
before undergoing obesity surgery. This counseling will help you better
understand that bariatric surgery is only one part of a multidisciplinary
approach to weight loss. In no way should this surgery be viewed as a
"quick fix." Rather, gastric bypass surgery patients will be required
to make lifelong changes to their diet and exercise habits to ensure a lasting
result after bariatric surgery.

Behavioral Therapy

A thorough psychological evaluation is a crucial
part of every obesity surgery patient's surgical preparations. Once you have
spoken with a doctor about the possibility of bariatric surgery, you will meet
with a behaviorist trained in counseling bariatric patients. The evaluation
will include your social, personal, and psychiatric history.

In addition to asking about your reasons for
desiring gastric bypass surgery, the behaviorist will also determine whether
you are prepared to alter your diet and exercise plan before and after
bariatric surgery. The patients with the highest rate of long-term success are
those with a strong support system of family and friends who are willing to
assist patients physically and emotionally.

Certain physical and psychological conditions can
reduce the chance of bariatric surgery success. These conditions include:

Substance or alcohol abuse

Undiagnosed, untreated depression

Schizophrenia or other personality
disorders

Evaluation by a behaviorist can uncover these
conditions, allowing your doctors to treat them and giving you the best chance
of success after bariatric surgery.

Physical Preparation for Obesity Surgery

A careful regimen of exercise and diet must be
adhered to before bariatric surgery to ensure that your body is ready for both
surgery and for the drastic changes that it will undergo in the months
following treatment.

Nutrition and Diet Therapy: Obesity surgery candidates should meet with a
registered dietician on a regular basis to determine diet needs both before and
after bariatric surgery. Caloric and nutrient needs should be determined based
on medical history, actual weight, food preferences, and meal frequency.
Individualized meal plans can then be customized to each patient's eating
habits, lifestyle, budget, and nutritional needs.

Fitness and Exercise Therapy: Developing an individualized exercise
and physical activity plan is one of the most important steps of obesity
surgery preparation. This exercise plan should begin well before and should be
resumed as soon as possible after bariatric surgery. Even a small increase in
exercise can improve a patient's flexibility, range of motion, and balance, as
well as decrease the chance of injury and soreness.

Pre-operative Instructions

All new fitness and diet plans should
begin well before bariatric surgery and be closely supervised by a doctor. The
doctor will provide the patient with a set of guidelines, which are likely to
include the following provisions:

Drink at least 64 ounces of water each
day

Stop smoking for at least eight weeks
before obesity surgery

Cease consumption of caffeinated
beverages

Take a multivitamin each day, unless you
are allergic or your doctor advises you not to

Keep a detailed written food diary

Eat at least three meals per day and
avoid snacking in between - don't worry about the calories for now, focus on
the behavior

Begin a walking program if possible

Write down your feelings every day to
remind yourself of your commitment to begin a new and healthier lifestyle

Attend support groups for patients
considering gastric bypass surgery or other obesity surgery

Follow your surgeon's instructions
regarding any medications you may be taking to control other health conditions

The Days before Surgery

In the days prior to your surgery, you should take care of any errands or chores so you don't have to handle them during your recovery. Go grocery shopping to get the foods and drinks that will be needed during your recovery. Visit your pharmacist to fill your prescription and pick up medical supplies. Do all of your laundry and clean your house. Finally, do not eat or drink anything after midnight the day of your surgery.

The Day of Surgery

On average, surgery for obesity takes about two
hours and is performed under general anesthesia.The day of surgery, you should wear comfortable clothing. Do not wear contact lenses, jewelry, or make-up to your appointment, and do not eat or drink anything the day of surgery. Make sure you have a family member or friend that can take you to and from your procedure.

Find a Local Weight Loss Surgeon

If you are interested in undergoing bariatric
surgery, find a surgeon in your area.